Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Wander into a world of seasonal enchantment this October half-term at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens as Historic Royal Palaces invites visitors to explore 100 acres of gardens, alive with colour and autumnal activities for spooky season.

Running from Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November, Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens offers a spellbinding mix of workshops, performance and outdoor adventure, from Halloween mazes and pumpkin carving to storytelling walks and craft workshops. Families can test their skills in traditional games such as conker duels and welly-tossing or explore magical garden installations casting mystical illusions across the grounds.

Family Craft Workshops – 25 & 26 October

Families can unleash their creativity in hands-on craft sessions, from decorating their own bird box on Saturday 25 October (five one-hour sessions available throughout the day) or enrolling in a clay crafting workshop on Sunday 26 October. All materials are provided, and spaces are limited to ensure an engaging experience.

Autumn Outdoor Workshops – 27 & 28 October

Young adventurers can explore nature through two family-friendly outdoor workshops. On Monday 27 October, the Nature Art Workshop will encourage children to use natural materials found in the gardens to inspire their artwork. On Tuesday 28 October, a Wild Walk will introduce families to the trees, plants and creatures of Hillsborough Castle, highlighting the wonders of biodiversity. Both workshops run throughout the day in small groups. 

Pumpkin Carving & Storytelling Walks – 29 to 31 October

No Halloween is complete without carving a pumpkin, and this popular workshop returns from 29–31 October. Visitors can book a ticketed session (£5 per pumpkin) to design and take home their own festive creation, with sessions running morning and afternoon. From 29–31 October, Halloween-themed storytelling walks through the gardens will be led by expert storytellers sharing magical tales inspired by the Castle and its surroundings. Suitable for children aged 5+, the walks offer a truly atmospheric autumn adventure.

The Armagh Rhymers – 1 & 2 November

Celebrations conclude with two days of performances from the Armagh Rhymers, one of Ireland’s most celebrated folk theatre groups. Dressed in their iconic straw costumes, the Rhymers bring to life the ancient traditions of mumming, combining music, myth, rhyme and rhythm in captivating family-friendly shows. Performances will take place four times daily across the weekend.